One of my favourite parts about having babies was choosing names. Scott and I would go through the book and write down our favorites, eventually making a short list.

I loved the different meanings, and how different syllables fit together to give a different feel. Boy names were always easier for me, so it’s a good thing we were sent five sons!

Our firstborn, Andrew, was named after the first of the disciples.  Our prayer was that Andrew, like his namesake, would see and recognize the face of God when it was presented to him, and bring others to Him.

Nicolas was named after a favourite. Saint Nicholas’ is a story of a strong and determined man, willing to suffer and starve for the truth of Christ’s divinity.  He abandoned wealth and comfort to serve the poor, and was known to even get a bit feisty when provoked for a good cause.

Elijah surprised some people. His isn’t a common name, but Scott and I had no doubts.  Elijah the prophet sees the face of God and is glorified. (It’s conveniently also the name of an awesome character in Michael O’Brien’s book, Father Elijah.)

Then we finally had our girl. We were still unsure even as she lay in our arms.  Madalen Marie, a version of Mary Magdalene, won out.  I see Mary Magdalene as the first to run Our Lord’s tomb.  She simply could not stay away from Him. And in her faithfulness she was rewarded with the first documented vision of Jesus after the resurrection. (Scott also loved the idea of calling her “Maddy.”  I quite liked the sound of her name when spoken with a French accent and attached to her French last name. Impractical, but still lovely.)

Isaac was named by his brothers. We read the story of St. Isaac Jogues and they insisted that we give the new brother that name.  St. Isaac braved the harsh, uncivilized New World, and suffered such pain and threat to spread the Gospel.  When he was abused and deformed by the natives, he returned back home and was told that he had completed his work. But in his courage and zeal he sought out permission to return, even knowing that death awaited him. His story is an adventure. I love that he is responsible, with his brothers, for bringing the faith.  (St. Kateri came from the tribe that killed him.)

And our Tommy Ben … Thomas Benedict was kind of named without me.  My mother had a grandfather whom she loved with that name. It was convenient that St. Thomas is my husband’s patron.  Which Thomas, you ask? Scott will claim any and all:

• St. Thomas More, who refused, when most others did not, to say that the meaning of marriage could not be compromised, and was willing to die for a truth that others thought unimportant.

• Then there’s Thomas Becket – awesome. Watch the 1964 movie Becket if you can.

• Thomas the disciple, remembered for doubting but often forgotten for his declaration of Jesus as God, “My Lord and my God!”

• And of course, Thomas Aquinas, a lover of words, thought and depth.

January is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, with Jan. 3 the feast of the Holy Name.  I wonder how Mary pondered His name after it was given to her. Did she whisper it quietly and wonder at who this Child would be and how His name would be fulfilled? Jesus, Emmanuel – God saves, God is with us.

It is still the Christmas season, and we would do well to look at our nativities and ponder the Christ Child, to whisper His name and hold It in our hearts. The Holy Name of Christ is a banner and a shield, a promise and a mission.

“If you will be well with God, and have grace to rule your life, and come to the joy of love: this name Jesus, fasten it so fast in your heart that it come never out of your thought. And when you speak to him, and through custom say, “Jesus,” it shall be in your ear, joy; in your mouth; honey; and in your heart, melody: for men shall think joy to hear that name be named, sweetness to speak it, mirth and song to think it” – Richard Rolle of Hampole, 14th century hermit, poet, and mystic.